Operations Begin at 3:40 p.m. After Demolition of Units 4 and 6
Comprehensive Safety Management System for Rescuers
Following the completion of the demolition work on Boiler Tower Units 4 and 6, which had been obstructing rescue operations at the site of the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant collapse, fire authorities have resumed full-scale search and rescue efforts.
The National Fire Agency announced that search and rescue activities commenced at 3:40 p.m. on the 11th, after the surrounding area was stabilized following the demolition of Units 4 and 6. In the collapse of Unit 5 that occurred on the 6th, a total of seven people were trapped, with two presumed dead and two still missing as of now.
On the afternoon of the 11th, at the site of the Ulsan Thermal Power Plant collapse accident, Kim Seungryong, Director of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Group (Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency), is advising the rescue team members who will be fully engaged in search and rescue operations following the completion of stabilization work on Boiler Towers 4 and 6 regarding rescue and safety matters. Provided by the National Fire Agency
A total of nine rescue teams, comprising 72 rescuers mobilized from across the country, have been deployed to the site. The Ulsan Fire Headquarters Chief (Special Response Team Commander) is leading the on-site command, operating around the clock.
The search and rescue operations are being conducted in a three-stage rotation system involving the rescue team, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), and backup team. Drones and the backup team will simultaneously record the situation on site to ensure both accuracy and safety during the rescue activities.
Additionally, the National Fire Agency has implemented a thorough management system to ensure the safety of the rescuers. Before entering the site, all rescue personnel received a briefing on the rescue plan and safety training led by Kim Seungryong, Director of the Central Emergency Rescue Control Group (Acting Commissioner of the National Fire Agency). The teams are currently being deployed step by step, starting from areas where safety has been secured.
Eleven specialized safety management personnel, including safety officers and the aerial drone team, are monitoring all areas of the site in real time. If any signs of danger are detected, an immediate evacuation signal will be communicated to all personnel, and rapid withdrawal will be facilitated through radio communication, vehicle sirens, and loudspeakers. The safety of the rescue area is jointly assessed by a professional demolition company and experts from the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, and rescue operations will proceed step by step based on their evaluations.
Director Kim stated, "We will do our utmost by maintaining a 24-hour search and rescue system to return those awaiting rescue to their families as quickly as possible."
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